Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Nanofiltration
Teacher Materials
Contents
3-T1
3-T3
3-T4
Day 1
(50 min)
Day
This activity is a preparation exercise for the lab that will take
place on day 2 of this lesson. Pre-read the lab and give students
an indication of what to expect during the next class session.
25 min
10 min
Materials
Hand out the Which Method is Best? Student Worksheet and The 10 min
Filtration Spectrum: Student Handout and have students work in
small groups to answer the questions.
30 min
20 min
Time
Activity
Nanofiltration Timeline
3-T5
Day 3
(50 min)
Day 2
(50 min)
10 min
5 min
10 min
25 min
15 min
50 min
Distillation processes use heat to evaporate water. The gas then condenses,
leaving all impurities behind except those (some pesticides and fertilizers) with
boiling points lower than water that get evaporated and then condensed along with
the water. This method is expensive. It also leaves the water tasteless, and without
minerals.
Ion exchange methods work by passing ion-containing water through resin beads,
which exchange OH- and H+ ions for the unwanted ions.
Water Filtration
Filtration is the process of passing a fluid through a porous object or objects (for example
cheesecloth or sand) in order to separate out matter in suspension [1]. Filtration is the
primary process used to clean water for human use.
Some Vocabulary Clarification
Many words with similar meanings are used to describe parts of the filtration process.
These words are used interchangeably in the water filtration literature. These words and
their meanings are illustrated in Figure 1.
3-T6
Affluent: a solution
containing particles to be
filtered
Filter
Effluent/Filtrate/Permeate:
the fluid that has passed
through the filter
Carbon filtration traps larger organic particles on the surface of small carbon
grains. Different types of filters are capable of trapping different substances.
Depth filters consist of matted fibers that retain particles as they pass
through the filter. About 98% of the particles passing through this type of
microfilter are retained, protecting finer-scale membranes farther down the
chain. Depth microfilters are considered good prefilters for this reason.
Screen filters are microporous membranes that trap particles based on the
specific pore size of the membrane.
Ultrafiltration methods employ a thin, yet tough, membrane with a very small
pore size.
3-T7
Filtration Trade-offs
Generally, the smaller the filter, the more pressure is needed to push the water through it.
Greater pressure means a greater cost, and so filters that remove very small particles are
the most expensive to use. To be cost-effective, filtration is usually done as a multi-step
process. Bigger contaminants are first removed using large-pore (and thus less expensive)
filters, then filters with decreasing pore sizes are used to remove smaller and smaller
particles. Using a sequence of filters also keeps the small-pore filters from getting
clogged up with the large contaminants. This clogging is called fouling. Filters must be
cleaned regularly to remain usable
State of the Art?
While constantly improving, our current water purification technology is inadequate to
meet the current or the projected needs of the worlds population for clean drinking
water. New nanofilters are being explored with much anticipation and excitement for
their potential to address the global water crisis.
References
(Accessed December 2007.)
[1] http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/filter
[2] Adapted from http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/quality-waterfiltration-method.htm
[3] Adapted from http://www.homecents.com/images/h2o-imgs/nano_f_l.gif
[4] Adapted from http://www.zenon.com/image/resources/glossary/reverse_osmosis/
reverse_osmosis.jpg
[5] http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc/
3-T8
3-T9
(NF)
Nanofiltration
(UF)
Ultrafiltration
(MF)
Microfiltration
(CF)
Carbon
Filtration
Type of
Filtration
10-8 to 10-10
10-7 to 10-8
10-5 to 10-7
Above 10-6
Max
Particle
Size
(meters)
Characterization
Some multivalent
ions
Viruses
Bacteria
Suspended solids
Most viruses
removed
Partial removal of
bacteria
Suspended
organic solids
Varies widely
Removes bad
tastes and odors
(organic matter)
and chlorine
Example
Particles
Cost is relatively
high (currently).
Currently most
are susceptible to
high fouling.
Cannot remove
iron or
manganese ions
(multivalent
ions).
Most problems
are with fouling.
Removes little or
no organic
matter.
No effect on total
dissolved solids,
hardness, or
heavy metals.
Disadvantages
Depth Filter
Diagram
[3]
[2]
[2]
3-T10
10-9 to 10-11
Different membranes have
different pore sizes and
different characteristics.
Monovalent ions
Most multivalent
ions
Viruses
Bacteria
Suspended solids
(RO)
Reverse
Osmosis
Cost is high.
Membranes are
prone to fouling.
[4]
Nanofiltration
Environmental scientists
and engineers are creating
nanomembranes to filter
contaminants from water
cheaply and effectively
3-T11
Source: http://www.worldhungeryear.org/why_speaks/19_files/image014.gif
Sources: http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/RESOURCES/IMAGES/Water-pollution.jpg
3-T12
Question
Sources: http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/274625
3-T13
Symbol
Pore Size,
m
Operating
Pressure,
psi
Types of Materials
Removed
Microfilter
MF
1.0-0.01
<30
Clay, bacteria,
large viruses,
suspended solids
Ultrafilter
UF
0.01-0.001
20-100
Viruses, proteins,
starches, colloids,
silica, organics,
dye, fat
Nanofilter
NF
0.001-0.0001
50-300
Sugar, pesticides,
herbicides,
divalent anions
Reverse
Osmosis
RO
< 0.0001
225-1,000
Monovalent salts
Source: http://web.evs.anl.gov/pwmis/techdesc/membrane/index.cfm
3-T14
Microfiltration
Typical pore size: 0.1
microns (10-7m)
Very low pressure
Removes bacteria,
some large viruses
Does not filter
small viruses, protein
molecules, sugar, and
salts
A microfilter membrane
Sources: http://www.waterworksmw.com/rack%201%20&%202b.jpg http://www.imc.cas.cz/sympo/41micros/Image126.gif
10
Ultrafiltration
Typical pore size: 0.01
microns (10-8m)
Moderately low
pressure
Removes viruses,
protein, and other
organic molecules
Does not filter ionic
particles like
lead, iron, chloride ions;
nitrates, nitrites; other
charged particles
An ultrafiltration plant in
Jachenhausen, Germany
Source: http://www.inge.ag/bilder/presse/bildmaterial/referenzen/jachenhausen.jpg
3-T15
11
Nanofiltration
Typical pore size: 0.001
micron (10-9m)
Moderate pressure
Removes toxic or
unwanted bivalent ions
(ions with 2 or more
charges), such as
Lead
Iron
Nickel
Mercury (II)
Source: http://www.wateronline.com/crlive/files/Images/10899070-E891-11D3-8C1F-009027DE0829/newwater1.gif
12
Source: http://iclaro.com/users/18342/pictures/Desalination%20Plant.jpg
3-T16
13
How RO Works
Osmosis is a natural
process that moves water
across a semipermeable
membrane, from an area
of greater concentration
to an area of lesser
concentration until the
concentrations are equal
To move water from a
more concentrated area to
a less concentrated area
requires high pressure to
push the water in the
opposite direction that it
flows naturally
Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis
14
Question
If RO Can Get Everything Out
That Would Make Water
Undrinkable, Why Not Just Use
RO Membranes by
Themselves?
3-T17
15
Fouling of RO pores
16
Question
How Can We Keep Large Particles
from Fouling Membranes with
Small Holes?
3-T18
17
A Series of Filtrations
Increases Efficiency
Filters can be sequenced from large to small pore
size to decrease fouling
They must still be cleaned regularly to remain usable
Virus
Protein
18
3-T19
19
Source: http:/www.ecompressedair.com/images/library/kf_filter_f13.gif
20
Advantages of Nanofiltration
Nanofilters are close in size to RO filters, but cost
much less to run
And special properties of nanosized particles can
be exploited!
We can design new nanofilters that catch particles
smaller than they would catch based on size alone
Scientists are exploring a variety of methods to
build new nanomembranes with unique
properties to filter in new and different ways
3-T20
10
21
Image of a
nanomembrane
Source: http://sciencematters.berkeley.edu/archives/volume2/issue10/images/story2-2.jpg
22
New Nanomembranes I
Imagine having layers
of membranes into
which specialized
substances are placed
to do specific jobs
You can put a
chemical in the filter
that will kill bacteria
upon contact!
Source: Unknown
3-T21
11
23
New Nanomembranes II
Embed tubes
composed of a type of
chemical that strongly
attracts (loves)
water
Weave into the
membrane a type of
molecule that can
conduct electricity
and repel oppositely
charged particles, but
let water through
Water-loving tubes
Electricity moving
through a membrane
24
3-T22
NO3Cl-
SO42-
Representation of an
electric field above a
nanopore pushing away
negative ions
12
25
Nanofiltration Summary
At the nanoscale, filters can be constructed to
have properties designed to serve a particular
purpose
Scientists and engineers are now experimenting
to create membranes that are low-cost yet very
effective for filtering water to make it drinkable!
These inventions may help to solve the global
water shortage
26
Questions
How do you determine what filtration method to
use to remove contaminants in a water sample?
Consider the size of the contaminants, the relative
cost of the filtration methods, and the water use
What are two benefits that nanomembranes
bring to the filtration of water?
Consider how they can help to address the world's
problem of a scarcity of clean drinking water
Describe three ways that current or experimental
nanofiltration membranes may be different than
previous generation membranes
3-T23
13
3-T26
fouling residue. Using self-cleaning membranes could reduce both maintenance and
operating expenses.
Benefits of nanomembranes are elaborated in more detail in the New Nanomembranes:
Student Reading.
Slide 22: New Nanomembranes I
Eric Hoek talks about embedding particles into the membrane that are toxic to bacteria in
the New Nanomembranes: Student Reading. When the bacteria combine with the toxic
embedded substance, the bacteria die.
Slide 23: New Nanomembranes II
Two advances of new nanomembranes include the embedding of hydrophilic tubes
through which water travels to the other side of the membrane, and the weaving of a
conducting material through a membrane to repel oppositely charged particles.
Slide 24: 1 nm Sized Nanopores Repel Electronegative Objects
Eric Hoek explains this idea in the New Nanomembranes: Student Reading. This
discovery was made serendipitously when constructing membranes with 1 to 2 nanometer
pores.
Slide 25: Nanofiltration Summary
This slide concludes the introduction of how nanomembranes can be used to filter
contaminants out of water. Hopefully students have gained an appreciation for how
nanomembranes can be built with selected properties by embedding them with
specialized materials. Nanomembranes hold the promise of a new generation of water
filtration membrane technology.
Slide 26: Questions for Discussion
This final slide poses further questions for discussion that are related to this lesson. You
may want to ask students to discuss their ideas aloud or in writing, to reinforce the central
concepts.
3-T28
Na+
Cl-
H2 O
Sand
Filter Paper
Refer to the Filtration Spectrum handout. Based on what you see in the handout, draw
arrows that show which particles will pass through each membrane and which will not.
Water
Monovalent Multivalent
Ions
Ions
Microfilter
Ultrafilter
Nanofilter
Reverse
Osmosis
3-T29
Viruses
Bacteria
Suspended
Solids
3-T30
cup sand
cup gravel
2 250 mL beakers
1 funnel
Paper towels
Syringe
Materials to Make 1.0 Liter of River Water for Two Lab Stations
2 half-liter bottles
teaspoon salt
3 pinches of dirt
2 pinches of sand
2.5 mL No More Algae liquid by Jungle, 0.05% (by volume) copper sulfate
pentahydrate (source of copper liquid)
Materials for Each Station: Comparing Ultrafiltration with Nanofiltration (Part II)
1 Luer-Loc filter housing (to hold the nanofilter and the ultrafilter)
Syringe
Paper towels
Fe2+
Fe3+
Cl-
NO3-
NO2-
Cu2+
2. Dip the appropriate strips in the river water to test for these ions.
3. Put the wet strips on a paper towel under their appropriate symbols so you dont
forget which strip represents a test for which ion.
4. Match the color of your strip with the color chart on the side of the relevant test
strip bottle. The amount of the ion in your river water sample will be listed
underneath the matching color square on the bottle.
5. Record on your lab sheet the color of the strip and the amount of each ion indicated
by the test strip.
3-T32
You will repeat this ion testing step after each filtration to find out if the ions are still
present in the water.
Table 1 summarizes the consequences of the presence of these ions in drinking water.
Table 1. Ions and Consequences in Drinking Water
Ions
These ions indicate that rust from pipes has gotten into the water.
While rust is not dangerous, it makes the water taste bad and leaves
mineral deposits in sinks and bathtubs.
NO3 and
NO2
Cl
This ion indicates that salt has intruded into the water. People cannot
use salty water for drinking. Salty water usually cannot be used for
agriculture either, although there are a few exceptions.
Cu2+
Gravel Filtration
1. Put cup of gravel into the funnel.
2. Put a clean 250 mL beaker underneath the funnel.
3. Pour the river water supplied by your teacher over the gravel. Notice if the gravel
stopped any of the substances that you saw in the water from going into the beaker
below.
4. Record your observations on your lab sheets.
Gravel and Sand Filtration
5. Put cup of sand on top of the gravel in the funnel.
6. Put a clean 250 mL beaker under the funnel.
7. Pour the contents of the first beaker, the effluent, into the funnel on top of the sand.
Notice if the sand and gravel stop any of the substances in the water from going
into the beaker below.
8. Record your observations on your lab sheet.
9. Rinse the empty 250 mL beaker and place it underneath the funnel.
Gravel, Sand, and Activated Charcoal Filtration
10.
Put the activated charcoal into the funnel on top of the sand and the gravel.
11.
Pour the remaining water (the effluent) left from the sand filtration step into the
funnel on top of the charcoal. Notice if the charcoal removes anything else.
3-T33
12.
Using the test strips, test for the presence of the ions in the filtered water by
following the instructions in the Ion Testing box above.
14.
Record the results of your ion tests on your lab sheet and answer the questions.
Nanofiltration
15.
16.
Open the filter housing and carefully place the disc into the filter housing, place
the O-ring on top of the disc, and close securely, making sure the disc is centered
in the housing to prevent leakage around the edges of the disc.
17.
Rinse the empty 250 mL beaker and place it underneath the filter.
18.
Fill the syringe with the effluent collected after filtering with the charcoal, sand,
and gravel.
19.
Screw the filter housing onto the syringe, taking care not to depress the plunger
of the syringe during this operation.
20.
Push the effluent through the nanofilter using even, steady pressure.
21.
Record your observations of the solution after it has gone through the nanofilter
on your lab sheet.
Using the test strips, test for the presence of the ions in the filtered water by
following the instructions in the Ion Testing box above.
23.
Record the results of your ion tests on your lab sheet and answer the questions.
Completeness of filtration
The relative amount of pressure needed to push the water through each filter
The completeness of filtration will be measured by filtering dissolved dye through each
of the filters and looking at the color of the filter and the effluent. The relative pressure
needed for filtration will be measured by how hard you have to push the syringe to get
the water to pass through the filters.
3-T34
3-T35
Over time, the water sitting in the mine reacted with the debris left in the abandoned
mine, leaving much of the water contaminated. A local water-monitoring agency has
watched the rising contamination levels and determined that the current water cleaning
system is not good enough to make the water safe to drink. Even before the water
flooded up into the mine, a few substances were slightly above safety limits, but now
their levels are even higher.
3-T36
Now that you have some background on the water problem facing Jarny, your teams job
is to design a system to clean the water to make it drinkable by the local residents. To do
this you will need to do the following:
1. Analyze the data in Table 1 to identify what harmful substances are present in the
water. This table provides raw water measurements on a set of substances,
selected due to their change in concentration before and after the flooding.
2. Complete question 1 in the Student Report. Record the following information for
each substance:
3. Analyze the data on the current water cleaning system (Table 2), your reading
handouts, and relevant charts to help inform your design of a system to clean the
water to make it drinkable. Assume that your design will be added on to the
system currently in place: a flocculation procedure, a sand filter, and a 1.0 micron
microfilter. Remember that the town is poor and your design needs to provide a
cost-effective solution. Your design may involve single-step or multiple-step
methods.
4. Complete questions 2 and 3 in the Student Report.
3-T37
Before flooding
After flooding
Safe levels
Health hazard or
water-taste quality
(mg/L)
(mg/L)
(mg/L)
Ca2+
168
296
160
Contributes to water
hardness
Mg2+
31
185
15
Contributes to water
hardness
Na+
50
260
350
Dehydration
CO32-
367
500
100
Taste or alkalinity
SO42-
192
1794
300
Water taste
Cd2+
.002
.018
.005
Kidney damage
24
Diarrhea, cramps,
nausea, or headaches
Asbestos (million
fibers/L) from rotting
pipes
12
Increased risk of
developing intestinal
polyps
16
48
References
[1] http://maps.google.com
[2] Adapted from http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthgwdecline.html
3-T38
Student Report
1. Use the water quality information in Table 1 to fill in Table 3 below.
Table 3. Substances Present at Unacceptable Levels
Substance
Amount over
acceptable limit
Least expensive
filter necessary
Ca2+
Mg2+
CO32SO42Cd2+
Bacteria (E coli)
Asbestos
136 mg/L
nanofilter
170 mg/L
nanofilter
400 mg/L
nanofilter
1494 mg/L
nanofilter
0.013 mg/L
nanofilter
24
microfilter
ultrafilter
particle filter
45
Human hair
(between 40-300
microns)
3-T39
2. The best filter or combination of filters to add to Jarnys water system are the following, in
order:
A ultrafilter (filter with a pore size of < 0.1 microns) and then a nanofilter.
3. Draw your design showing the water and its contents before and after passing through each
filter in your design.
Na+
Ultrafilter
Nanofilter
3-T40
Asbestos
Bacteria
3. How can nanotechnology help provide unique solutions to the water shortage?
What I learned in these activities:
4. Can we solve our global water shortage problems? Why or why not?
What I learned in these activities:
3-T41